Hello everyone,

I’m sure you’ll all agree that this summer has been different, for a variety of reasons. And now here we are at Labour Day weekend. We have all experienced the summer months in different ways. At the AGO, staff have been participating in AGOU, providing digital content online and re-opening to our public. Some of us have taken “staycations” or learned new skills or baked a ton of bread. I have enjoyed spending time outdoors, including foraging for mushrooms – yes, that is a mushroom I am holding, not sourdough! I cooked it 4 ways and served it up to my family. Delicious.

My appreciation for nature in Canada has increased considerably this summer. There is much wonder to behold at this time of year, including star gazing. Here is an article about Indigenous star stories that you might enjoy: https://thewalrus.ca/space-teaching-indigenous-star-stories/

September is always a hectic month and this year even more so. A reminder to consider the AGO’s Flexible Work Program and talk to you manager if you think flex hours would help balance your work and family life obligations.

There are a number of new installations being planned for this fall. Thank you to all the exhibitions staff who are working hard to install Haegue Yang: Emergence; The Open Door: Mary Hiester Reid and Helen McNicoll; and Ragnar Kjartanasson: Death is Elsewhere. In spite of all the uncertainty we are facing, there is a lot of great art to look forward to.

Stephan